Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?
Kratom has grown in popularity across the United States, especially among people seeking natural relief from pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal symptoms. But as its use becomes more widespread, many people have one major concern: Does kratom show up on a drug test?
Because kratom is not federally scheduled in the U.S., many assume it won’t appear on drug tests. While most standard drug screenings do not check for kratom, certain specialized tests can detect it—and some employers, treatment programs, and legal systems are beginning to include kratom screening.
This comprehensive guide breaks down how kratom works, whether it shows up on drug tests, how long it stays in your body, and what types of tests can detect its active compounds.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain active alkaloids, primarily:
- Mitragynine
- 7-hydroxymitragynine
These alkaloids interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, which is why kratom can have stimulant or opioid-like effects depending on the dose.
Although many people use kratom for pain management or to reduce withdrawal symptoms, it is not approved by the FDA and remains controversial due to safety concerns.
Understanding how it behaves in the body is essential when considering drug testing.
Does Kratom Show Up on Standard Drug Tests?
Short answer: No, not usually.
Most standard drug tests—including the widely used SAMHSA 5-panel test—do not check for kratom.
A typical 5-panel test screens for:
THC
Cocaine
Opiates
Amphetamines
PCP
Kratom does not fall into any of these categories, and its alkaloids are not chemically similar enough to trigger false positives on most standard immunoassay tests.
What about 10-panel or 12-panel tests?
These also typically do not include kratom unless specifically added.
However: Certain employers, treatment programs, and probation offices may choose to order specialized kratom tests, especially in fields involving safety-sensitive duties.
What Tests CAN Detect Kratom?
Although standard tests won’t detect kratom, specialized tests can identify mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine.
These include:
A. Advanced Urine Tests (LC-MS/MS)
High-level urine drug screens using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry can detect kratom.
These tests are:
- Highly accurate
- Able to detect kratom metabolites
- Often used in treatment programs or legal cases
B. Blood Tests
Blood tests can detect kratom within a shorter window. They are less common due to cost and invasiveness.
C. Hair Follicle Tests
Hair tests can reveal long-term kratom use, sometimes up to 90 days or more. However, hair testing for kratom is rare and usually only ordered in legal investigations.
D. Oral Fluid (Saliva) Tests
Saliva testing for kratom exists but is uncommon.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
The detection window for kratom depends on:
- Dose
- Frequency of use
- Body weight
- Liver health
- Metabolism
- Strain and potency
General detection windows:
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Urine | 1–7 days (most common) |
| Blood | 24 hours (up to 2–3 days in heavy use) |
| Saliva | Up to 24 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
Why the range?
Kratom has a half-life of about 24 hours, but chronic heavy use can extend detection time.
Frequent users may test positive for up to a week or more.
Can Kratom Cause a False Positive for Other Drugs?
In most cases, kratom does NOT cause false positives for standard drug panels.
However, there are rare reports of kratom use being mistaken for:
- Opiates
- Methadone
- Tramadol
These are not commonly verified and typically only occur with lower-quality immunoassays.
Why?
Because mitragynine interacts with opioid receptors, there has been concern that it might resemble opiates during testing. However, its chemical structure is not close enough to trigger most tests.
If a false positive occurs, a confirmatory test like GC-MS or LC-MS/MS will clear up the results.
Why Do Some Employers Test for Kratom?
While kratom is legal in many states, employers and organizations may screen for it due to concerns about:
- Impaired job performance
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Risk of dependency
- Safety-sensitive job requirements
Industries most likely to test for kratom include:
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Government positions
Programs related to court orders or recovery treatment may also include kratom in their testing panels.
How Kratom Is Metabolized in the Body
Understanding how kratom breaks down can explain why it may appear on certain drug tests.
Mitragynine
The primary active alkaloid metabolizes in the liver and becomes detectable in urine as various metabolites.
7-hydroxymitragynine
A more potent compound, responsible for most opioid-like effects, is easier to detect but typically present in smaller amounts.
Because these alkaloids are unique, specific tests must be designed to target them.
Factors That Affect Kratom Detection Times
Several factors influence how long kratom remains detectable:
1. Frequency of Use
- Occasional users: 1–3 days
- Daily users: up to 7 days or more
2. Dose Size
Higher doses take longer to break down and excrete.
3. Body Fat Percentage
Mitragynine is somewhat lipid-soluble, so it may remain longer in individuals with higher body fat.
4. Age and Metabolism
Slower metabolism leads to longer detection times.
5. Liver Function
Because kratom is metabolized in the liver, impaired liver function can extend its presence in the bloodstream and urine.
What to Do If You Test Positive for Kratom
If you receive a positive test result and did not expect it, here’s what to do:
Request a confirmatory test
Highly accurate methods like LC-MS/MS can verify the result.
Provide a list of supplements
Kratom products can be mislabeled or contaminated.
Ask for testing documentation
You have a right to understand what substances were screened.
Point out whether kratom was legally consumed
In most states, kratom is legal for adults.
Discuss the result with the Medical Review Officer (MRO)
MROs can overturn results after reviewing legitimate explanations.
Should You Be Concerned About Kratom and Drug Testing?
Here’s the bottom line:
- Standard drug tests do NOT detect kratom.
- Specialized tests CAN detect kratom, especially in certain industries.
- Detection time is typically 1–7 days depending on use.
If you are subject to regular drug testing—especially in a safety-sensitive job or recovery program—it’s important to know whether kratom testing is included.
Final Thoughts
Kratom may be legal in many places, but that does not guarantee it will go unnoticed on every drug test. While standard panels ignore kratom completely, specialized tests can detect its alkaloids with high accuracy.
If you use kratom and have an upcoming drug test, understanding how it is metabolized, how long it stays in your system, and what types of tests can identify it is essential. Knowing your employer’s or program’s testing policy is the best way to avoid surprises.
